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1: An Exercise Without Sweating
Thielicke does a wonderful job of grounding the young theologian. He speaks of the "hiatus between the arena of the young theologian's actual spiritual growth and what he already knows intellectually about [an] arena". This encourages the student to not settle for a "second hand" faith.
Thielicke also does a tremendous job of grounding theology in faith. As he says at one point, "every theological effort is bound up with the act of faith itself". Faith (or rather Christ) is the goal and not theology itself. He even makes the bold statement that, "every theological idea which makes an impression upon you must be regarded as a challenge to your faith."
Thielicke's attempt in this work is to ground his students in the gospel--he succeeds.
What I Disliked
The book is obviously written to theological students; the language would be quite difficult for the typical beginning learner to swallow. Unfortunately, it is the typical beginning learner that really needs to hear this. Thielicke perhaps would have been better served using less lofty language.
The book first was translated into English in 1962. Some of the theological issues that cropped up in the Thielicke's time are no longer as pertinent. The book is dated--but if the reader can filter through some of the specific issues and see the heart of the matter he will be blessed.
Should You Buy It:
It depends on who you are. If you plan on reading quite a few theological materials and growing in your knowledge of doctrine then get this little booklet. You can read it in a short setting and will benefit for a lifetime. If you are not going to be diving into many deep issues then your money could be better spent elsewhere.
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2: Great Advice!
When I picked this book up I saw how short it was and thought that it wasn't worth the money. Was I wrong! This book should be read by every person called into vocational ministry. Thielicke continually makes the point that young ministers and seminarians need to have humility and a right attitude, not thinking too highly of themselves and their theological prowess. I needed this book, and I know ALOT of people who need to read it too! Definitely worth it.
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3: Filled with profound wisdom and advice
It is amazing that Thielicke says so much in 40 pages. This text should be required reading for any student of theology (and is, in fact, in many places). Thielicke offers wise words of caution to keep theology rooted in the presence and being of God. He warns how theology and knowledge can be abused and misused for selfish purposes. This is a book that one can read easily in an hour or less, but the lessons contained within apply for a lifetime. Highly recommended for any and all who dabble in theology at any level.
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4: Check the ego
A very important, concise reminder to anyone studying theology or biblical studies in preparation for ministry.
Thielicke put into words what I experienced as a young student after my first year of bible college.
He reminds us of the importance of keeping our egos in check as we lovingly present our newfound passion and love for the word of God to others who have not had the same historical and theological training.
I wish I would have read it during my first semester of study instead of my eighth.
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5: A Gem
This should be one of the first books anyone studying theology or going into ministry should read. It was a requirement which our prof. wisely included in our reading list (I first read this book in 1996)and has only grown in importance for me as time goes on.
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